Reading
- Disharmony and Strife
- Solicitation to Evil - Prov. 1:10-19; 16:29; 25:26; 27:3; 28:10
- Violence - Prov. 3:31-32; 21:7, 29
- Murderers - Prov. 28:17
- Causing Others Harm - Prov. 3:29-30
- Revenge - Prov. 20:22; 24:28-29
- Dissension and Strife - Prov. 6:16-19; 17:1; 18:18-19
- Meddling - Prov. 26:17
- Honesty
- Truthfulness - Prov. 12:20; 13:5; 24:26; 26:18-19
- Accurate Weights - Prov. 11:1; 16:11; 20:10, 23
- Boundary Stones - Prov. 22:28; 23:10-11
- Wrongfully Obtained Gains - Prov. 10:2; 13:11; 20:17, 21
- Bribery - Prov. 15:27; 17:8, 23; 21:14
- Justice
- False Witness - Prov. 12:17; 14:5, 25; 19:9, 28; 21:28; 25:18
- Open-mindedness - Prov. 18:17
- Judicial Justice - Prov. 17:15, 26; 18:5; 21:15; 24:11-12, 23-25; 28:5; 29:26
Devotional
Numerous important life principles are taught in today's important reading. Here's a summary:
- If someone tries to get you to do evil, don't do it. In fact, don't go anywhere near it!
- Do not be a violent person, nor a murderer.
- Do not harm nor falsely accuse your neighbor.
- Do not seek revenge, nor try and get back with someone that you feel wronged you. GOD avenges.
- Be a peacemaker, not one who stirs up problems and arguments.
- Don't meddle in others' business. You will be most unwelcome.
- Always tell the truth. Don't deceive your neighbor and then say, "I was just joking."
- Use fair and accurate scales and measurements.
- Don't move a boundary marker.
- Avoid gain achieved wrongfully.
- Don't offer nor accept a bribe.
- Do not be a false witness. Tell the truth.
- Wait to hear both sides of an argument before you draw any conclusions.
- Do not knowingly acquit the guilty nor convict the innocent.
All of these are important lessons, but I want to focus on one proverb, which is found at Prov. 6:16-19. It says:
16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
A proud look means that the person thinks of themselves more highly than they aught. Instead GOD wants us to be humble, recognizing how small we are and how guilty we are as a sinner. GOD cannot lie. He wants us to be like Him, therefore He hates a liar. Innocent blood cries out to GOD from the ground (Gen. 4:10). GOD gives life and His will is that people live, now and eternally after this life is over. It is not our job to decide when someone should die, not to mention that murder isn't the first sin involved when a person is killed. They are killed for a reason, such as hatred, envy, covetousness, etc.
GOD is righteous and holy and He hates a heart that makes plans to do evil, as well as feet that are quick to carry out evil. And GOD loves peace and harmony, therefore He hates a person who stirs up trouble and problems within a group or family.
Be like GOD. Have a heart to live righteously before Him. Don't be guilty of having character that GOD hates. It will not go unpunished. What a man sows that he will also reap (Gal. 6:7).
